Mariental Namibia Hardap Dam Resort
Service Centre for the vast farming area of Hardap Region of central
MARIENTAL NAMIBIA. Service Centre for the vast farming area of Hardap Region of central Namibia.
The Hardap Dam near Mariental is the largest dam in Namibia. Building commenced in 1960 and the dam, which lays across the upper reaches of the Fish River, was commissioned in 1963. The dam covers an area of 25 square kilometres and has a capacity of 320 million cubic meters.
When the dam reaches 110% of its capacity the sluice gates are opened allowing up to 5,500 cubic metres of water per second to be discharged. The dam is flanked on both sides by the 25,000hsa Hardap Game Park and Hardap Resort which makes for a popular stay over place for holiday makers and travellers.
The Animals: The Game Reserve is on the southern side of the dam. The drive routes offer picturesque views of the dam and area. Here you can see Gemsbok, Hartmann's Zebra, Kudu, Ostrich, Springbok and Steenbok.
The Birds: The Hardap dam area has attracted many species of birds and the islands have become popular breeding sanctuaries for one of Namibia's largest colonies of Greater White Pelicans (over 800 birds have been counted). You'll definitely hear the cry of the Fish Eagle here, and see Flamingos, Goliath Herons, Ospreys, Reed Cormorants and many other types of birds.
The Fish: Hardap Dam is a popular competition venue for Namibia's fresh water anglers. You can catch fare sized, Bass, Barbel, Carp or Yellow-Fish here. Permits can be bought at the office.
In 2006 the district experienced good rains which on the flat landscape wash-off into the Fish River. The Hardap Dam levels rose dramatically to a point where the sluice-gates had to be opened. The drainage area of the river after the dam wall had an accumulation of reeds etc. which impeded the high flow rate of water coming form the dam. The Fish River overflowed its banks and the town of Mariental suffered a major flood disaster from which it has not yet fully recovered.
National Park Entrance Fees Payable to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism for each day you are in the park as from 1 July 2005. The Hardap Resort is Managed and Operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts
Of Interest: The town is named after the wife of Herman Brandt one of the early settlers in this area. His wife was named Marie
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